The South Coast Disabled Surfers Association is heading back to Gerroa – and while participant spots filled in just one week, organisers are calling for more volunteers to help make the day possible.

“We only do four events a year,” said South Coast DSA president Ian Picton. 

“They’re very hard to organise. You do need a lot of volunteers.”

The event that is Sunday, 1 March at Seven Mile Beach already has 50 surfers booked in, with a growing waiting list. But to safely get participants into the water, the organisation needs between 140 and 180 volunteers.

“Our ratio is six to one in the water,” Picton explained. “But when a participant goes out, there’s generally about 15 people in the group looking after that one person.”

Six boards typically operate at once, forming a carefully coordinated “runway” of volunteers in the surf. 

As the wave rolls toward shore, volunteers line up on either side, ensuring safety and support if the surfer falls.

“Gerroa is perfect for what we do,” Picton said. “When the waves break there, they roll right in up the beach – It’s fantastic and it’s safe.

“It’s about giving back to the community and making an easy day for people that don’t get the opportunity to go into the water.”

For some participants, it’s the only time they surf all year.

“The only time they go into the surf is when they come with us.”

The DSA has been operating on the South Coast for 32 years. Entirely volunteer-run.

“Every dollar donated goes to putting stuff on the beach and getting people into the water,” Picton said.

“We’re a truly voluntary organisation that’s been doing good stuff for 32 years.”

The group supports people with a wide range of disabilities – physical and intellectual – and adapts the program as needed.

Swimming or surfing experience is not required for participants or volunteers.

“What DSA does is like plasticine,” Picton said. “We mould what we do to suit our participants’ needs.

We don’t discriminate against disability. We just make sure we can get them into the water safely.”

Volunteers aren’t even required to get wet. Roles range from registration and beach support to water assistance.

Local schools, families and community members regularly take part with many returning year after year.

“I know a young fellow that started at five years old,” Picton said.

“He’s 35 now and he keeps surfing with us. He’s been with us for 30 years as well.

It’s just a great place, great way to give back to the community and what a lovely environment to do it in – on the beach, having a good time, helping someone have a surf.

“Not everyone’s going to stand up. A lot of people will only lay down on the board. Just that feeling of catching a wave – it’s something that you can’t make up.”

And the reward?

“What we call smiles on dials,” he said. “Everyone goes home tired, but happy.

You’ve got that feeling in your belly and in your heart that you’ve done something really good for the community.”

Bunnings South Nowra will provide a free barbecue for all participants and volunteers on the day.

Volunteers are encouraged to register via Humanitix by searching “Disabled Surfing – Gerroa/Seven Mile Beach.”

Walk-ups are also welcome on the morning of.

With community support from Nowra to Wollongong, organisers are hoping this year’s event will once again deliver what they promise every time:

“No one goes home disappointed.”